Electronic devices and methods for addressing external electromagnetic fields

ABSTRACT

An electronic device may include a shaft insertable into a target area, and an electronic component configured to generate a signal. The electronic component may be on or within the shaft. The electronic device may also include at least one antenna on or within the shaft. The electronic device may also include a receiver operatively coupled to the antenna. The receiver may monitor an electrical characteristic of the antenna to identify an effect of an electromagnetic field on the electrical characteristic of the antenna. The electronic device may also include a processor communicatively coupled to the receiver. At least one of the receiver and the processor may predict an effect of the electromagnetic field on the signal generated by the electronic component, based at least in part on the effect of the electromagnetic field on the electrical characteristic of the antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/980,117, filed on Apr. 16, 2014, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to medical systems andmethods for addressing electromagnetic fields.

BACKGROUND

An electronic device may send, receive, and/or store an electricalsignal when in use. During use, the electronic device may be exposed toan external electromagnetic field. The external electromagnetic fieldmay be produced by another electronic device being used simultaneouslyin the same vicinity as the electronic device. The electromagnetic fieldmay couple to the electronic device, causing an electromagneticdisturbance in the signal. The electromagnetic disturbance may degradethe quality of the signal, rending the signal inaccurate or evenunusable. Shielding may be added to the electronic device in an attemptto block the electromagnetic field, thereby reducing the probability ofthe electromagnetic disturbance occurring, and/or reducing the severityof the effect the electromagnetic disturbance may have oncharacteristics of the signal.

In a medical environment, multiple electronic medical devices may beused simultaneously in the same vicinity. One of the electronic devicesmay remain outside of the subject's body. Another of the electronicdevices may be used to access internal areas of the subject's bodyhaving large openings, passages, and cavities. Adding shielding to theelectronic device that remains outside of the subject's body, and/or theelectronic device used to access large openings, passages, and cavities,may be useful for protecting those electronic devices from externalelectromagnetic fields.

However, for an electronic device used to image internal areas of asubject's body having small openings, passages, and cavities, addingshielding may not be a viable option because the increase in sizeassociated with adding shielding may make the electronic device toolarge to fit in the small openings, passages, and cavities of thesubject's body. In one such electronic device, an image signal may besent, received, and/or stored by the electronic device when it is used.If the electronic device is exposed to an external electromagneticfield, causing an electromagnetic disturbance in the image signal, oneor more characteristics of the image signal may be affected. Forexample, one or more characteristics of the image signal may bedegraded. The degradation may result in the image signal producing asingle defective pixel, multiple defective pixels, or no image at all,on a display. Reducing such degradation may improve the performance ofthe electronic device.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic device mayinclude a shaft insertable into a target area. The electronic device mayalso include an electronic component configured to generate a signal.The electronic component may be on or within the shaft. The electronicdevice may also include at least one antenna on or within the shaft. Theelectronic device may also include a receiver operatively coupled to theantenna. The receiver may monitor an electrical characteristic of theantenna to identify an effect of an electromagnetic field on theelectrical characteristic of the antenna. The electronic device may alsoinclude a processor communicatively coupled to the receiver. At leastone of the receiver and the processor may predict an effect of theelectromagnetic field on the signal generated by the electroniccomponent, based at least in part on the effect of the electromagneticfield on the electrical characteristic of the antenna.

In addition or alternatively, the electrical characteristic of theantenna may include at least one of current and voltage in the antenna;the electronic component may include an imaging device, and the signalmay include image data obtained by the imaging device; the shaft may bea shaft of a medical endoscope insertable into a body cavity; theelectronic component may include an imaging device at a distal end ofthe shaft; the antenna may include at least one of an end cap, ring, orarticulation link at a distal end of the shaft, and the receiver maymonitor at least one of current and voltage in at least one of the endcap, ring, or articulation link; the antenna may include at least one ofa steering wire for bending the shaft, or a sheath wire forming part ofa sheath of the shaft, and the receiver may monitor at least one ofcurrent and voltage in at least one of the steering wire or sheath wire;the processor may be configured to generate a signal when the valueindicative of the electrical characteristic of the antenna is outside ofa predetermined range of values; the signal generated by the processormay include at least one of a warning signal for display on a displaydevice, a duplicate of the signal generated by the electronic componentprior to the moment the value indicative of the electricalcharacteristic of the antenna fell outside the predetermined range, or asupplemental signal added to the signal generated by the electroniccomponent; and/or the electronic device may include a display device fordisplaying the signal generated by the processor.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic system mayinclude a first electronic device. The first electronic device mayinclude a shaft insertable into a target area. The first electronicdevice may also include an electronic component configured to generate asignal. The electronic component may be on or within the shaft. Thefirst electronic device may also include at least one antenna on orwithin the shaft. The first electronic device may also include areceiver operatively coupled to the antenna. The receiver may monitor anelectrical characteristic of the antenna to identify an effect of anelectromagnetic field on the electrical characteristic of the antenna.The first electronic device may also include a processor communicativelycoupled to the receiver. At least one of the receiver and the processormay predict an effect of the electromagnetic field on the signalgenerated by the electronic component, based at least in part on theeffect of the electromagnetic field on the electrical characteristic ofthe antenna. The electronic system may also include a second electronicdevice. Activation of the second electronic device may result in thesecond electronic device generating the electromagnetic field.

In addition or alternatively, the electronic component may include animaging device, the signal may include image data obtained by theimaging device, and the effect of the electromagnetic field on thesignal may include degradation of the image data; and/or the shaft maybe a shaft of a medical endoscope insertable into a body cavity, and theimaging device may be at a distal end of the shaft.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method for predictingdegradation of a signal in an electronic system may include generating asignal with an electronic component. The electronic component may belocated on or within a distal portion of an electronic device. Themethod may also include monitoring at least one antenna located on thedistal portion of the electronic device, with a receiver, to identify aneffect of an electromagnetic field on an electrical characteristic ofthe antenna. The method may also include determining an effect of theelectromagnetic field on the signal generated by the electroniccomponent based on the effect of the electromagnetic field on theelectrical characteristic of the antenna.

In addition or alternatively, the electrical characteristic of theantenna may be at least one of current and voltage in the antenna; theelectronic component may be an imaging device, and the signal mayinclude image data obtained by the imaging device; the effect of theelectromagnetic field on the signal may be to degrade the signal by atleast one of weakening the signal, interrupting the signal, anddistorting the signal; the method may further include communicating awarning to a user of the electronic system when the monitored electricalcharacteristic exceeds a predetermined value; the method may furtherinclude altering the signal generated by the electronic component whenthe monitored electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined value;and/or the method may further include repeating a previous signalgenerated by the electronic component when the monitored electricalcharacteristic exceeds a predetermined value.

It may be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure and together with the description, serve to explainthe principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary electronic medical system,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a unit of electronic medical equipment,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic medical tool, according toaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a portion of an electronic medical tool,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion of an electronic medical tool,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of a portion of an electronic medical tool,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is an enlarged view of a portion of an electronic medical tool,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4E is an enlarged view of a portion of an electronic medical tool,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic device maybe provided with an antenna and a receiver for detecting an externalelectromagnetic field, identifying one or more characteristics of theexternal electromagnetic field, and/or mitigating the effect theexternal electromagnetic field may have on an electronic signal sent,received, and/or stored by the electronic device.

Exemplary Embodiments

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein to refer to therelative positions of the components of an exemplary medical device.When used herein, “proximal” refers to a position relatively closer tothe exterior of the body or closer to a user using the medical device.In contrast, “distal” refers to a position relatively further away fromthe user using the medical device, or closer to the interior of thebody.

An electronic system 10, shown in FIG. 1, may be used to perform medicalprocedures. Electronic system 10 may include an electronic device orunit of electronic equipment 11. Electronic equipment 11 may includeelectronic tools 12 and 16. Electronic tool 12 may include an electroniccomponent 14. Electronic component 14 may be operatively coupled toelectronic tool 16 by an electrical connector 15. Electronic component14 may generate one or more signals, and may relay signals to electronictool 16 via connector 15. Electronic tool 16 may process receivedsignals and generate an output.

Electronic tool 12 may also include an antenna 18 and a receiver 22. Anantenna may include any suitable electrical device for convertingelectric power into electromagnetic waves, and/or for convertingelectromagnetic waves into a voltage at the antenna's terminals. Antenna18 may be made of any suitable electrically-conductive material. Forexample, antenna 18 may be made of an electrically conductive metal.Antenna 18 may receive electric power from a power supply (not shown).Receiver 22 may be coupled to antenna 18 through antenna terminals 20.

The electric power for powering antenna 18 may come from receiver 22.Receiver 22 may monitor antenna 18. For example, receiver 22 may monitorcurrent running through antenna 18. Additionally or alternatively,receiver 22 may monitor voltage at terminals 20. Receiver 22 may relaycurrent and/or voltage information from antenna 18 to electronic tool 16via an electrical connector 23 that operatively couples receiver 22 andelectronic tool 16.

When antenna 18 is exposed to an external electromagnetic field, aspectsof the antenna voltage and/or current may be affected. Through itsmonitoring of antenna 18, receiver 22 may detect the effects. Thedetected effects may provide information about the electromagnetic fieldto which antenna 18 is exposed. Receiver 22 may amplify the voltage atterminals 20 and/or current in antenna 18, and/or generate one or moresignals based on the antenna voltage or current. Receiver 22 may relaythe voltage, current, and/or signals to electronic tool 16 viaelectrical connector 23, to provide electronic tool 16 with informationabout the electromagnetic field.

System 10 may also include an electronic device or unit of electronicequipment 24. Electronic equipment 24 may include one or more electronictools (not shown) having one or more electronic components (not shown).During operation of electronic system 10, activating electronicequipment 24 may result in electronic equipment 24 generating anelectromagnetic field 26. Electromagnetic field 26 may couple toelectronic component 14. In other words, electromagnetic field 26 maycause an electromagnetic disturbance in electronic component 14. Thedisturbance may interrupt, obstruct, or otherwise degrade the signalsgenerated by electronic component 14 and/or relayed via connector 15,possibly resulting in electronic tool 16 receiving a degraded signal.Degradation may be characterized by a weakening of the signal,transformation of the signal, distortion of the signal, partial or totaldestruction of the signal, and/or any other altering of the signalresulting in the signal being inaccurate and/or unusable.

It is contemplated, however, that potential problems arising from thecoupling of electromagnetic field 26 to electronic component 14 may bemitigated. For example, due to its proximity to electronic component 14,antenna 18 may be exposed to the same electromagnetic field 26 aselectronic component 14 when electronic equipment 24 is activated. Thus,electromagnetic field 26 may affect voltage and/or current in antenna18. Receiver 22 may obtain information about electromagnetic field 26 bymonitoring the voltage and/or current in antenna 18. Receiver 22 mayrelay that information about electromagnetic field 26 to electronic tool16 via electrical connector 23. It is contemplated that the relayedinformation may include voltage and/or current from antenna 18.Additionally or alternatively, the relayed information may include oneor more values indicative of voltage and/or current of antenna 18.Additionally or alternatively, the relayed information may includeinformation calculated by receiver 22 using the voltage and/or currentof antenna 18.

Based at least in part on the information about electromagnetic field26, the effect of electromagnetic field 26 on electronic component 14may be predicted. The prediction may be made by at least one of receiver22 and/or electronic tool 16. Using the prediction, electronic tool 16may take steps, to address or mitigate the predicted effect. Exemplarysteps are outlined in the description of the embodiment below.

In one embodiment, electronic equipment 11 may include endoscopicimaging equipment 100 (FIG. 2), electronic tool 12 may include animaging endoscope 108, electronic component 14 may include an imagingassembly 138 (FIGS. 4A-4C), electrical connector 15 may include animaging device transmission element 142, electronic tool 16 may includean image processor (not shown) in a control cabinet 102, antenna 18 mayinclude one or more antennae discussed further below, receiver 22 mayinclude a receiver 146 (FIG. 4E), and electrical connector 23 mayinclude a receiver transmission element 147.

Imaging endoscope 108 may include a shaft 110 configured for insertioninto a subject's body, and a handle assembly 112 coupled to a proximalend of shaft 110. Handle assembly 112 may include a handle housing 114.Handle assembly 112 may also include a steering mechanism 116. Steeringmechanism 116 may control deflection of the distal end of shaft 110 bytensioning steering wires 128 a-128 d extending between steeringmechanism 116 and the distal end of shaft 110. For example, steeringmechanism 116 may include two rotatable knobs that may be coupled topulleys configured to move steering wires 128 a-128 d, for four-waysteering of the shaft distal end in the up/down direction and in theright/left direction. Handle assembly 112 may also include one or moreports 118 and 120 for providing access to channels 132 a-132 d runningalong the length of shaft 110. Exemplary ports may include a workingchannel port for receiving tools, an imaging device port, and anirrigation/suction port.

Imaging assembly 138 may include an imaging device 140 positioned at adistal end of shaft 110. Imaging device may be any suitable cameraassembly, such as a CMOS sensor, and may be configured to obtain imagedata of a target area in a subject's body within its field of view.Imaging device 140 may generate one or more image signals based on theobtained image data. Imaging assembly 138 may also include imagingdevice transmission element 142. Imaging device 140 may relay imagesignals through shaft 110 and handle assembly 112 to control cabinet 102via imaging device transmission element 142. Imaging device transmissionelement 142 may be received in an endoscope connection cable 150coupling handle assembly 112 to control cabinet 102. Control cabinet 102may use the received image signals to generate outputs, such as images,for showing on a display device 104. Display device 104 may include anysuitable video screen or monitor.

Electronic equipment 24 may any medical device that may emit anelectromagnetic field. For example, electronic equipment 24 may includean electrohydraulic lithotripter. The electrohydraulic lithotripter maybe used for stone fragmentation in a subject's body. Theelectrohydraulic lithotripter may include a probe containing one or moreelectrodes. When activated, an electric current may energize theelectrode, creating a spark at the end of the probe. The user may useimaging endoscope 108 to help guide electrohydraulic lithotripter 24 toa target area. In one embodiment, electrohydraulic lithotripter 24 maybe inserted through one of channels 132 a-132 d of shaft 110 and out thedistal end of a distal end cap 122 of endoscope 108.

When activated, electrohydraulic lithotripter 24 may emitelectromagnetic field 26. Imaging assembly 138 may be exposed toelectromagnetic field 26. Electromagnetic field 26 may couple to imagingassembly 138. That coupling may interfere with the operation of imagingassembly 138. For example, the coupling may degrade the image signalgenerated by imaging device 140 and/or relayed by imaging devicetransmission element 142. If left unaddressed, the degraded image signalmay result in inaccurate output images, or no output images at all,showing up on display device 104. Without accurate output images, a usermay have difficulty visualizing, and therefore performing, a procedure.This undesired outcome may be mitigated using antenna 18, receiver 146,and the image processor of control cabinet 102.

Receiver 146 may be housing in handle housing 114 (FIG. 4E), or incontrol cabinet 102. Receiver 146 may monitor electrical characteristicsof antenna 18. For example, receiver 146 may monitor current runningthrough antenna 18 between its terminals 20, and/or voltage at terminals20. When electromagnetic field 26 is present, it may affect the currentand/or voltage in antenna 18. Receiver 146 may relay the current and/orvoltage to the image processor in control cabinet 102. Control cabinet102 may process the current and/or voltage into a value, signal, and/oroutput. Additionally or alternatively, receiver 146 may process thecurrent and/or voltage into a value, signal, and/or output, and relaythe value, signal, or output to control cabinet 102.

Processing the current and/or voltage may include, for example,determining one of more characteristics of electromagnetic field 26based on the current and/or voltage when antenna 18 is exposed toelectromagnetic field 26. Processing the current and/or voltage may alsoinclude determining an effect electromagnetic field 26 may have onimaging assembly 138. For example, processing may include determiningthe effect of electromagnetic field 26 on imaging device 140 and/orimaging device transmission element 142. Determining the effect mayinclude comparing a characteristic of electromagnetic field 26 to avalue known to have a corresponding effect on imaging assembly 138. Ifthe characteristic of electromagnetic field 26 matches the known value,or exceeds the known value, it is likely that electromagnetic field 26is having or will have an effect on imaging assembly 138 thatcorresponds to the known value. Additionally or alternatively,processing the current and/or voltage may include running a valueindicative of the current and/or voltage through an algorithm. Thealgorithm may accept the value as an input, perform a calculation on theinput, and produce an output indicative of a predicted effect thatelectromagnetic field 26 may have on imaging assembly 138.

If the predicted effect is indicative of degradation of the image signalin imaging assembly 138, mitigating steps may be taken. For example,control cabinet 102 may relay an alert or warning signal to displaydevice 104, to provide the user with notice that the output image maynot be accurate due to degradation of the image signal. Additionally oralternatively, control cabinet 102 may cause display device 104 todisplay whatever output image was showing prior to occurrence ofdegradation of the image signal. This freezing of the output image maybe achieved by, for example, repeating the last accurate image signal.Additionally or alternatively, control cabinet 102 may modify the outputimage signal to supplement or fix the degraded image signal, leading toa more accurate output image being displayed on display device 104.Other suitable actions may also be taken. The type of action taken may,for example, depend on the severity of predicted degradation of theimage signal. Once electromagnetic field 26 is removed, the alert orwarning may cease, the output image on display device 104 may beunfrozen, and/or supplementing or fixing of the image signal may cease.Endoscopic imaging equipment 100 may return to normal operation.

It should be understood that, to the extent an electronic device inimaging electronic equipment 100 may also produce its ownelectromagnetic field when activated, its own electromagnetic field mayalso be sensed by antenna 18. Its own electromagnetic field may berecognized by receiver 146 and/or control cabinet 102 as a baselineevent. Receiver 146 and/or control cabinet 102 may consider only anevent other than the baseline event when predicting degradation of theimage signal. Alternatively, the baseline event may be considered incombination with electromagnetic field 26 to help predict degradation ofthe image signal.

FIGS. 4A-4D show aspects of antenna 18. As shown in FIG. 4A, shaft 110may include an outer sheath 124. Shaft 110 may also include a distal endcap 122 having openings or ports 121 a-121 d. Port 121 d may receiveimaging device 140. Shaft 110 may also include a distal ring 123. Distalring 123 may assist with coupling outer sheath 124 to distal end cap122. Shaft 110 may also include a reinforcement sheath 126 made of aplurality of struts or woven wires 127. Shaft 100 may also include oneor more steering cables formed by one or more of wires 128 a-128 d andprotective sheathing 129. Shaft 100 may also include an articulationjoint 133, particularly at a distal end of shaft 100, to articulate thedistal end. Articulation joint 133 may include one or more articulationlinks 134, and one or more springs 136 coupled to articulation links 134to bias the articulation links into a straight-line configuration.

Antenna 18 may include a portion of outer sheath 124 and an antennatransmission element 144 a (FIG. 4A). Outer sheath 124 may include anelectrically-conductive portion. For example, at least a portion ofouter sheath 124 may be made of an electrically-conductive metal.Additionally or alternatively, an electrically-conductive metal strip orother element (not shown) may be added to outer sheath 124. Additionallyor alternatively, the electrically-conductive portion may run throughouter sheath 124, such as through a wall of the outer sheath 124 betweenits interior and exterior surfaces. Antenna transmission element 144 amay include, for example, one or more metallic wires for conductingelectrical current. Antenna transmission element 144 a may be coupled onits proximal end (terminal) to receiver 146, and on its distal end tothe electrically-conductive portion of outer sheath 124. Current mayflow through antenna transmission element 144 a and theelectrically-conductive portion of outer sheath 124. Through itsconnection to the proximal end of antenna transmission element 144 a,receiver 146 may monitor current and/or voltage in antenna transmissionelement 144 a and the electrically-conductive portion of outer sheath124. It is also contemplated that antenna 18 may include antennatransmission element 144 a alone, without requiring an electricallyconductive portion of outer sheath 124.

Additionally or alternatively, antenna 18 may include a portion ofdistal ring 123, and an antenna transmission element 144 b (FIGS.4A-4C). Distal ring 123 may include an electrically-conductive portion.For example, at least a portion of distal ring 123 may be made of anelectrically-conductive metal. Additionally or alternatively, anelectrically-conductive metal strip or other element (not shown) may beadded to distal ring 123. Additionally or alternatively, theelectrically-conductive portion may run through distal ring 123, such asthrough a wall of the distal ring 123 between its interior and exteriorsurfaces. Antenna transmission element 144 b may include one or moremetallic wires similar to antenna transmission element 144 a. Antennatransmission element 144 b may be coupled on its proximal end (terminal)to receiver 146, and on its distal end to the electrically-conductiveportion of distal ring 123. Current may flow through antennatransmission element 144 b and the electrically-conductive portion ofdistal ring 123. Through its connection to the proximal end (terminal)of antenna transmission element 144 b, receiver 146 may monitor currentand/or voltage in antenna transmission element 144 b and theelectrically-conductive portion of distal ring 123. It is alsocontemplated that antenna 18 may include antenna transmission element144 b alone, without requiring an electrically conductive portion ofdistal ring 123.

Additionally or alternatively, antenna 18 may include a portion ofdistal end cap 122, and an antenna transmission element 144 c (FIGS.4A-4C). Distal end cap 122 may include an electrically-conductiveportion. For example, at least a portion of distal end cap 122 may bemade of an electrically-conductive metal. Additionally or alternatively,an electrically-conductive metal strip or other element (not shown) maybe added to distal end cap 122. Additionally or alternatively, theelectrically-conductive portion may run through distal end cap 122, suchas through a wall of distal end cap 122 between its interior andexterior surfaces. Antenna transmission element 144 c may include one ormore metallic wires similar to antenna transmission element 144 a.Antenna transmission element 144 c may be coupled on its proximal end(terminal) to receiver 146, and on its distal end to theelectrically-conductive portion of distal end cap 122. Current may flowthrough antenna transmission element 144 c and theelectrically-conductive portion of distal end cap 122. Through itsconnection to the proximal end (terminal) of antenna transmissionelement 144 c, receiver 146 may monitor current and/or voltage inantenna transmission element 144 c and the electrically-conductiveportion of distal end cap 122. It is also contemplated that antenna 18may include antenna transmission element 144 c alone, without requiringthe electrically conductive portion of distal end cap 122.

Additionally or alternatively, antenna 18 may include a portion ofreinforcement sheath 126, and an antenna transmission element 144 d(FIG. 4B). Reinforcement sheath 126 may include anelectrically-conductive portion. For example, at least a portion ofreinforcement sheath 126 may be made of an electrically-conductivemetal. In one embodiment, reinforcement sheath 126 may be made of wovenwires or struts 127, at least one of which may beelectrically-conductive. Additionally or alternatively, anelectrically-conductive metal strip or other element (not shown) may beadded to reinforcement sheath 126. Antenna transmission element 144 dmay include one or more metallic wires similar to antenna transmissionelement 144 a. Antenna transmission element 144 d may be coupled on itsproximal end (terminal) to receiver 146, and on its distal end to theelectrically-conductive portion of reinforcement sheath 126. Current mayflow through antenna transmission element 144 d and theelectrically-conductive portion of reinforcement sheath 126. Through itsconnection to the proximal end (terminal) of antenna transmissionelement 144 d, receiver 146 may monitor current and/or voltage inantenna transmission element 144 d and the electrically-conductiveportion of reinforcement sheath 126. It is also contemplated thatantenna 18 may include antenna transmission element 144 d alone, withoutrequiring an electrically conductive portion of reinforcement sheath126.

Additionally or alternatively, antenna 18 may include a portion of oneor more of steering wires 128 a-128 d (FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4E), and anantenna transmission element 144 e. Antenna transmission element 144 emay be one of steering wires 128 a-128 d. Steering wires 128-128 d maybe electrically-conductive. Steering wires 128 a-128 d may be coupled ontheir proximal ends (terminals) to receiver 146, and on their distalends to distal end cap 122, distal ring 123, and/or articulation joint133. Current may flow through one or more of steering wires 128 a-128 d.Through its connection to the proximal end (terminal) of one or more ofsteering wires 128 a-128 d, receiver 146 may monitor current and/orvoltage therein.

Additionally or alternatively, antenna 18 may include a portion ofarticulation link 134 and/or spring 136, and an antenna transmissionelement 144 f (FIG. 4D). Articulation link 134 and/or spring 136 mayinclude an electrically conductive portion. For example, at least aportion of articulation link 134 and/or spring 136 may be made of anelectrically-conductive metal. Additionally or alternatively, anelectrically conductive metal strip or other element may be added toarticulation link 134 and/or spring 136. Additionally or alternatively,the electrically-conductive portion may run through a wall ofarticulation link 134 between its interior and exterior surfaces.Antenna transmission element 144 f may include one or more metallicwires similar to antenna transmission element 144 a. Antennatransmission element 144 f may be coupled on its proximal end (terminal)to receiver 146, and on its distal end to the electrically-conductiveportion of articulation link 134 and/or spring 136. Current may flowthrough antenna transmission element 144 f and theelectrically-conductive portion of articulation link 134 and/or spring136. Through its connection to the proximal end (terminal) of antennatransmission element 144 f, receiver 146 may monitor current and/orvoltage in antenna transmission element 144 f and theelectrically-conductive portion of articulation link 134 and/or spring136. It is also contemplated that antenna 18 may include antennatransmission element 144 f alone, without requiring an electricallyconductive portion of articulation link 134 and/or spring 136.

As shown in FIG. 4E, an antenna transmission element 145, which mayinclude one or more of antenna transmission elements 144 a-144 d, and144 f, may extend through shaft 110 and into handle assembly 112 tocouple antenna 18 to receiver 146. It is contemplated that antennatransmission elements 144 a-144 d and 144 f may extend through one ormore of channels 132 a-132 d in shaft 110, or any other suitableopenings or lumens in shaft 110.

Any aspect set forth in any embodiment may be used with any otherembodiment set forth herein. Every device and apparatus set forth hereinmay be used in any suitable medical procedure, may be advanced throughany suitable body lumen and body cavity, and may be used for treatmentof any suitable body portion. For example, the apparatuses and methodsdescribed herein may be used in any natural body lumen or tract,including those accessed orally, vaginally, or rectally.

The many features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparentfrom the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by theappended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the presentdisclosure which fall within the true spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and variations willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe present disclosure to the exact construction and operationillustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modificationsand equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

We claim:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a shaft insertable into atarget area; an electronic component configured to generate a signal,wherein the electronic component is on or within the shaft; at least oneantenna on or within the shaft; a receiver operatively coupled to theantenna, wherein the receiver monitors an electrical characteristic ofthe antenna to identify an effect of an electromagnetic field on theelectrical characteristic of the antenna; and a processorcommunicatively coupled to the receiver, wherein at least one of thereceiver and the processor determines an effect of the electromagneticfield on the signal generated by the electronic component, based atleast in part on the effect of the electromagnetic field on theelectrical characteristic of the antenna.
 2. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the electrical characteristic of the antenna is atleast one of current and voltage in the antenna.
 3. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the electronic component is an imagingdevice, and the signal includes image data obtained by the imagingdevice.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the shaft is ashaft of a medical endoscope insertable into a body cavity.
 5. Theelectronic device of claim 4, wherein the electronic component is animaging device at a distal end of the shaft.
 6. The electronic device ofclaim 4, wherein the antenna includes at least one of an end cap, ring,or articulation link at a distal end of the shaft, and the receivermonitors at least one of current and voltage in at least one of the endcap, ring, or articulation link.
 7. The electronic device of claim 4,wherein the antenna includes at least one of a steering wire for bendingthe shaft, or a sheath wire forming part of a sheath of the shaft, andthe receiver monitors at least one of current and voltage in at leastone of the steering wire or sheath wire
 8. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to generate a signal whenthe value indicative of the electrical characteristic of the antenna isoutside of a predetermined range of values.
 9. The electronic device ofclaim 8, wherein the signal generated by the processor includes at leastone of a warning signal for display on a display device, a duplicate ofthe signal generated by the electronic component prior to the moment thevalue indicative of the electrical characteristic of the antenna felloutside the predetermined range, or a supplemental signal added to thesignal generated by the electronic component.
 10. The electronic deviceof claim 8, further including a display device for displaying the signalgenerated by the processor.
 11. An electronic system, comprising: afirst electronic device, including: a shaft insertable into a targetarea, an electronic component configured to generate a signal, whereinthe electronic component is on or within the shaft, at least one antennaon or within the shaft, a receiver operatively coupled to the antenna,wherein the receiver monitors an electrical characteristic of theantenna to identify an effect of an electromagnetic field on theelectrical characteristic of the antenna, and a processorcommunicatively coupled to the receiver, wherein at least one of thereceiver and the processor determines an effect of the electromagneticfield on the signal generated by the electronic component, based atleast in part on the effect of the electromagnetic field on theelectrical characteristic of the antenna; and a second electronicdevice, wherein activation of the second electronic device results inthe second electronic device generating the electromagnetic field. 12.The electronic system of claim 11, wherein the electronic component isan imaging device, the signal includes image data obtained by theimaging device, and the effect of the electromagnetic field on thesignal is degradation of the image data.
 13. The electronic system ofclaim 12, wherein the shaft is a shaft of a medical endoscope insertableinto a body cavity, and the imaging device is at a distal end of theshaft.
 14. A method for predicting degradation of a signal in anelectronic system, the method comprising: generating a signal with anelectronic component, the electronic component being located on orwithin a distal portion of an electronic device; monitoring at least oneantenna located on the distal portion of the electronic device, with areceiver, to identify an effect of an electromagnetic field on anelectrical characteristic of the antenna; and determining an effect ofthe electromagnetic field on the signal generated by the electroniccomponent based on the effect of the electromagnetic field on theelectrical characteristic of the antenna.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the electrical characteristic of the antenna is at least one ofcurrent and voltage in the antenna.
 16. The method of claim 14, whereinthe electronic component is an imaging device, and the signal includesimage data obtained by the imaging device.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the effect of the electromagnetic field on the signal is todegrade the signal by at least one of weakening the signal, interruptingthe signal, and distorting the signal.
 18. The method of claim 14,further including communicating a warning to a user of the electronicsystem when the monitored electrical characteristic exceeds apredetermined value.
 19. The method of claim 14, further includingaltering the signal generated by the electronic component when themonitored electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined value. 20.The method of claim 14, further including repeating a previous signalgenerated by the electronic component when the monitored electricalcharacteristic exceeds a predetermined value.